The unnatural lifestyle of many sport horses can cause intestinal problems like colic, poor absorption of nutrients, and ulcers. Racehorses and top show jumpers or eventing horses have ulcers more often than not. This affects total health as well as performance, so owners and trainers cannot afford to ignore this problem. Equine inflammation management supplements can really help in both prevention and alleviation.
Experts estimate that as many as 80% of horses under demanding workloads have ulcers. It's easy to see that this problem is not to be underestimated. As with every other health issue, prevention is much better than trying to effect a cure. Understanding how diet works to prevent ulcers is important.
A major factor is that valuable athletes are often confined to stalls and fed large amounts of grain. They need the calories and energy grains provide, and horses often injure themselves during turn-out when they are 'high' from grain. However, this is a departure from what is natural for a horse. They are made to graze twenty-four hours a day and move around freely - and, for the most part, quietly.
Horses need a plentiful and continuous supply of roughage. Chewing up grass or hay stimulates the flow of alkaline saliva, which balances the stomach acid which horses secrete (also on a continuous basis). The mass of roughage in the stomach protects the stomach lining from these acids, which can be harmful during hours-long periods of emptiness. Grain makes the system more acid and requires less chewing, as well.
What does this have to do with inflammation? Well, ulcers are caused by inflammation in the digestive tract. In fact, most problems originate with inflammatory responses in this core system. This is why arthritis in humans is often addressed with dietary changes. Supplements are preferable to NSAIDS (anti-inflammatory drugs) because the drugs often used to treat body soreness or lameness can aggravate ulcerous conditions.
Alfalfa is a healthy herb, sold as tea, tablets, or powder in health food stores. Horses love alfalfa hay and will eat it readily. Owners and trainers should make sure there are no sharp sticks in the hay, which can perforate weak spots in the stomach lining. An option is to rely on soaked alfalfa cubes to add this nutrition and bulk to the horse's diet.
Minimize stall confinement if possible, and allow the animals access to mixed pasture. If this is not feasible, horses should at least be able to see other horses, since they are herd animals by nature. This will lower stress, as do familiar surroundings and companions. Research shows that silence and natural darkness are stress-relieving. Using a slow-feeder net can help even over-weight horses have hay in front of them most of the day and night.
Anti-inflammatory herbs that help alleviate muscle, joint, and foot pain are often great digestive aids, too. Tumeric and boswellia, which work on pain and swelling, are often recommended for intestinal disorders. All horsemen should know how the horse's system operates and how to keep it in good working order.
Experts estimate that as many as 80% of horses under demanding workloads have ulcers. It's easy to see that this problem is not to be underestimated. As with every other health issue, prevention is much better than trying to effect a cure. Understanding how diet works to prevent ulcers is important.
A major factor is that valuable athletes are often confined to stalls and fed large amounts of grain. They need the calories and energy grains provide, and horses often injure themselves during turn-out when they are 'high' from grain. However, this is a departure from what is natural for a horse. They are made to graze twenty-four hours a day and move around freely - and, for the most part, quietly.
Horses need a plentiful and continuous supply of roughage. Chewing up grass or hay stimulates the flow of alkaline saliva, which balances the stomach acid which horses secrete (also on a continuous basis). The mass of roughage in the stomach protects the stomach lining from these acids, which can be harmful during hours-long periods of emptiness. Grain makes the system more acid and requires less chewing, as well.
What does this have to do with inflammation? Well, ulcers are caused by inflammation in the digestive tract. In fact, most problems originate with inflammatory responses in this core system. This is why arthritis in humans is often addressed with dietary changes. Supplements are preferable to NSAIDS (anti-inflammatory drugs) because the drugs often used to treat body soreness or lameness can aggravate ulcerous conditions.
Alfalfa is a healthy herb, sold as tea, tablets, or powder in health food stores. Horses love alfalfa hay and will eat it readily. Owners and trainers should make sure there are no sharp sticks in the hay, which can perforate weak spots in the stomach lining. An option is to rely on soaked alfalfa cubes to add this nutrition and bulk to the horse's diet.
Minimize stall confinement if possible, and allow the animals access to mixed pasture. If this is not feasible, horses should at least be able to see other horses, since they are herd animals by nature. This will lower stress, as do familiar surroundings and companions. Research shows that silence and natural darkness are stress-relieving. Using a slow-feeder net can help even over-weight horses have hay in front of them most of the day and night.
Anti-inflammatory herbs that help alleviate muscle, joint, and foot pain are often great digestive aids, too. Tumeric and boswellia, which work on pain and swelling, are often recommended for intestinal disorders. All horsemen should know how the horse's system operates and how to keep it in good working order.
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You can get a summary of important factors to keep in mind when choosing a supplier of equine inflammation management supplements at http://www.naviculardisease.com right now.
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